Prove: Does {An^2} Converges Implies {An} Converges? True/False & How to Prove?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the question of whether the convergence of the sequence {An^2} implies the convergence of the sequence {An}. Participants explore this question through definitions of convergence and the Comparison Lemma, while also seeking counterexamples.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 poses the question of whether the convergence of {An^2} implies the convergence of {An} and expresses uncertainty about finding a counterexample.
  • Post 1 presents two approaches to proving the implication: one using the definition of convergence and another using the Comparison Lemma, but struggles with the details of both proofs.
  • Post 2 suggests that the first proof may not hold if a=0, indicating a potential limitation in the argument presented in Post 1.
  • Post 3 and Post 4 provide a sequence example of alternating values (1, -1, 1, -1, ...), but do not elaborate on its relevance to the main question.
  • Post 5 identifies a specific counterexample where the sequence An^2 = [(-1)^n]^2 converges to 1, while the sequence An does not converge, supporting the idea that the implication is false.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus. There is disagreement regarding whether the implication holds, with some proposing that it is false based on counterexamples, while others question the validity of the proofs presented.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential oversight of cases where a=0 and the need for further clarification on the conditions under which the Comparison Lemma applies.

cxc001
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Convergence of Sequence "Does {An^2} converges => {An} converges? How to prove it?"

Does sequence {An^2} converges implies to sequence {An} converges? True or False. How to prove it?

I kinda think it is false, but couldn’t think of any counterexample to directly proof it. So I try to use the 1) definition of convergence and 2) the Comparison Lemma to prove it, but kinda stucked.

Proof1: (Use definition of convergence)
Let sequence An^2 converges to a^2
Then according to the definition of convergence
For every E>0, Find N such that
|An^2-a^2|<E for all n>N
|(An-a)(An+a)|=|An-a||An+a|<E
|An-a|<E/|An+a|)

How can I go from here?

So if I can let N=E/|An+a|+1, then An converges to a. But I can’t define N that has a sequence in it, can I?

Comparison Lemma states “Let sequence {An} converges to a, and let {Bn} be a sequence such that |Bn-b|<= C|An-a| for some C>0, then Bn converges to b”

Proof2: (Use Comparison Lemma)
Let sequence An^2 converges to a^2
Let {An} be a sequence such that |An-a|<=C|An^2-a^2| for some C>0
Now I need to find an C>0 so that I can prove that sequence An converges to a

How can I go from here?
 
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Your first proof looks OK unless a=0.
 


1, -1, 1, -1, 1, -1, ...
 


awkward said:
1, -1, 1, -1, 1, -1, ...

:approve:
 


So choose sequence An^2 = [(-1)^n]^2 and the sequence An^2 converges to 1, but An is NOT convergent (divergent) sequence. Super! Thanks!
 

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